Could Bachelor In Paradise Be A Disaster That Ruins The Franchise? (I Think The Odds Of It Being A Heartwarming, Life-Affirming Treat Are Slim)

Next time around, Bachelor in Paradise is changing it up, adding some contestants from The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette, and while I love a little novelty, I think that this exciting twist could backfire. Maybe producers will make it work, but it's possible that the beach-y Bachelor in Paradise format, which will mix very different age groups, will be a total misfire.

Remember that Survivor season, Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X, that pitted Gen X'ers against Millennials? Maybe there'll be a touch of generational "warfare" when mature contestants share screentime with much younger adults who probably still have a lot of party energy. Gerry Turner turned down the chance to join the cast, which possibly signals a level of discomfort with the format. However, Gerry is also prioritizing his health, as he's bravely living with cancer.

Are Older Contestants Going To Enjoy Bachelor In Paradise?

They Might Regret Appearing On The Series

There is a bit of party energy with this Bachelor Nation spin-off. There's Bachelor in Paradise's Wells Adams, the bartender - there's resort vibes - there has been vulgar patter from dudes like David Spade. So, maybe the older contestants will feel like they've outgrown this kind of stuff. Sure, party energy isn't exclusive to the young, but people do tend to evolve as the decades pass, and the experience on Bachelor in Paradise may be a bit more than The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette alums are interested in.

20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now

Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.

Posts

We're supposed to change. The beauty of The Golden Bachelor and its spin-off, The Golden Bachelorette, is that each show gives older people a voice, showing the world that they still have the same feelings and desires as everyone else. In fact, everyone gets older, if they're lucky. So, it was kind of revolutionary and cool when this concept of offering older people a chance to enjoy Bachelor and Bachelorette experiences was turned into bona fide series that people of all ages could enjoy.

The thing is, possible Bachelor in Paradisecandidates like Susan Noles or Guy Gansert may not be interested in running wild on a series where a two-drink-an-hour maximum has to be enforced. Maybe potential older cast members like a tipple, but they may find the rambunctious antics of those younger than them, fueled by Wells' cocktails, annoying.

Age Gap Romances Could Develop

But Maybe People Will Stay In Their Lanes

Could there be age-gap relationships? Sure, but more than likely, older people will be attracted to each another. It would be interesting if a much younger person chose a "way older" partner. I suppose stranger things have happened. Love between consenting adults is just fine with me, but I feel like the series is mixing age groups just to create a sense of uniqueness, rather than because it makes sense. In fact, I think older contestants are better off skipping Bachelor in Paradise and maybe trying again on The Golden Bachelor or The Golden Bachelorette.